when running ( I used to do this pretty often, 3 times a week at school and once or twice a week at the gym) I have shin splints and knee pains. I also feel some burn on the sides of my neck, which i think might be lactic acid or something of the sort. I am 16 years old, and have been running a few times a week, so i dont think this is a fitness problem. I run at about 60% of my ability for about 1 to 2 miles. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas of how i can dull the pain, or make running a little bit easier.
Thank you very much
2006-09-27 06:54:56 · 5 answers · asked by Odogg 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
I am not sure what the burns on your neck are... that is strange.. .perhaps your shirt is irritating you or are you allergic to something?
As far as the shin splints / knee pains goes, be sure that you have running shoes on. I am not talking cross trainers, but real running shoes. Also, consider having your feet examined at a running store and having shoes specifically tailored to your foot-fall. For instance one brand of shoes feel super comfortable on me, but ultimately I wind up with knee problems every time I purchase them... I like New Balance and the Brooks Adrenaline.
Here are some other tips:
1) Back off for a week. Sometimes your body is telling you to give it a rest...
2) Avoid running on banked surfaces. Avoid cement.
3) Stretch / strengthen your calf muscles. They are pulling on your shin and creating the pains. Do calf extensions off the edge of some stairs or put a phone book on your toes and keeping your heel on the floor, lift the book up a few inches with just your toes.
4) Make sure you aren't running hard every time your run. Give yourself some easy / recovery days. I like to make one of my workouts hard followed by 1 or 2 easy days.
5) Consider getting some neoprene wraps for your knees. I don't have many problems with them and I think it is because I ALWAYS wear the Ace wraps.
6) Watch out for overstriding. If you can see the whites of your socks while running, you are probably overstriding. Take smaller strides. Your body will thank you for it.
The ibuprofen route can be good too, but you don't want to rely on that to run. It'll ruin your stomach in the long run.
Finally, if all this fails, consider seeing a podiatrist / track coach / sports medicine guy to see what he suggests. You may have a fault in your stide / gait.
Good luck.
2006-09-27 14:08:55 · answer #1 · answered by mchenryeddie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say whether you're a guy or girl, but I'm assuming guy from your screen name. At 16 yrs. old, you are probably experiencing some 'growing pains' and those may be being exacerbated by the running. You can still run of course, but make sure you warm up thoroughly and cool down. Make sure your running shoes are supporting your foot properly and that they are not older than 6 months and in good shape. Also, avoid running on cement if possible, this is the hardest on your joints. Make sure you're drinking a lot of water as well to wash off that lactic acid. Also, pay attention to your form, are you straining forward with your head and neck? A lot of people do this. Best of luck, running man!
2006-09-27 14:14:11 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ibuprophen and maybe some vitamins and other supplements to help you replace the things you have lost
Don't let anyone out there make you think that it is something you are doing, it isn't.
2006-09-27 15:42:15 · answer #3 · answered by Amber C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you maybe have Asama or something like a shortness of breath?
2006-09-27 14:04:10 · answer #4 · answered by Sam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO YOU DO ANY WARM UPS BEFORE YOU RUN, IF NOT TRY IT.
2006-09-27 13:57:55 · answer #5 · answered by tinkerbell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋